Effective classroom organisation is critical to ensuring that both teachers and students thrive in secondary schools. By understanding current practices and adapting to the unique challenges of Key Stages 3 and 4, teachers can enhance the learning experience for their students. Here, we provide practical advice for navigating class structures, student allocations, and teaching assignments based on insights from a recent analysis of secondary school organisation (Allen, 2025).
The rapid integration of technology in education has transformed the way students learn, but unstructured screen use presents a growing challenge for educators.
Excessive, unregulated, and unstructured engagement with digital devices often leads to detrimental effects on cognitive abilities and learning outcomes. Let’s explore how poor screen habits affect students and what teachers can do to address these challenges.
Teacher shortages are a growing concern, particularly in schools with high numbers of disadvantaged students. These schools often struggle to attract and retain teachers, leading to higher turnover, less qualified staff, and fewer experienced teachers. But why do these challenges persist, and what do teachers really look for in a school?
Recent research sheds light on this complex issue, revealing a significant gap between what teachers say they prefer and their true feelings.
The decline in music education within England’s state schools is an ongoing concern. Despite clear evidence of its benefits, music remains under-prioritised in the curriculum, largely due to funding constraints and policy changes, such as the introduction of the English Baccalaureate (EBacc).
Between 2013 and 2023, there was a 30% decrease in students doing music GCSEs and a 43% decrease in doing A-Levels. These alarming statistics raise an essential question: Can playing music boost students’ academic success?
Teaching financial literacy in schools is about more than numbers; it’s about equipping students with practical life skills they can carry into adulthood. With the rising importance of understanding how to save, spend, and share money wisely, educators are seeking ways to make these lessons informative and engaging.
Creative classroom activities and competitions, like the Money Heroes competition, are proving to be a game-changer in bringing financial education to life.
In the age of TikTok and Reels, pupils lose interest very quickly as they have become accustomed to short, sharp entertainment and information. Teachers face a considerable challenge to keep pupils on track and focused in the classroom.
Poor attention leads to a lack of learning and retention, so finding out more about proven techniques that can be used to optimise pupils’ attention is essential.
Adaptive teaching is a powerful approach that empowers teachers to tailor their methods to meet the diverse needs of their students.
While it may seem abstract, implementing adaptive teaching can significantly enhance classroom engagement and learning outcomes.
This blog will explore actionable strategies and insights into adaptive teaching, drawing from established teacher standards and recent academic research.
As a teacher, no doubt you will always want to improve how your students retain information.
Developing a better understanding of memory techniques can be helpful so you can plan ways to help your students improve their memory for learning.
Read our handy guide for valuable tips and information.
Teachers can positively impact pupil performance by encouraging and helping them consider their goals for the year ahead.
It’s a good idea to capitalise on their new term enthusiasm by helping them record these goals so they can continue to reflect on their progress. Setting goals can also help them to focus and banish any anxieties they may have.
The Labour government announced a plan to put critical thinking at the front of the curriculum in England and has established a curriculum and assessment review to create a viable plan for change.
Prioritising critical thinking is a common theme in school curriculums globally, but there are barriers to making a dramatic change to our curriculum, primarily due to restraints such as financial, resourcing and time.
So, what does the government mean by critical thinking, and why is it considered so essential to formalise its inclusion in the English curriculum?